Welcome to the Plumstead LibraryPublic Consultation\ Creating a new community asset for all\29th June 2017

The Project

\Plumstead is a key focus for the Council’s regeneration work moving forward. With a vibrant high street and diverse local community, the Council is keen to use its assets locally as a catalyst for the renewal of the area that will deliver a more welcoming and enhanced public realm, a better retail offer and great local amenities.

Alongside improved management of the area, the multimillion pound library and leisure centre project represents a real statement of intent to deliver a “Better Plumstead” for local people against a backdrop of significant cuts to Council budgets in recent years.\Royal Borough of Greenwich

Plumstead Library“The Project”

The scheme will preserve the historic character of the original 1903 building. The existing library facilities will be greatly improved, with a new cafe to open within the existing building; to the south of the site a brand new extension will house leisure functions including a badminton court and gym. At the heart of the project sits a new level access entrance and social space. The original library will be transformed into a new public centre for the local community.

The SiteSituated at the eastern end of Plumstead High Street Plumstead Library stands as a prominent civic building adjacent to the Police Station. Built in 1903, and designed by Frank Sumner, the library was one of the first to receive funding from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

The site is 10 minutes walk from Plumstead Station, and has access to numerous bus services along the High Street. In 2019 the Elizabeth Line will open at the neighbouring stations Woolwich and Abbey Wood, providing access into central London in just 19 minutes.

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Bannockburn Primary School 10 mins Walk to

Plumstead Station

Plumstead Police Station

Plumstead High Street

Speranza Street

Qui

lter S

treet

Plumstead Library 1903

Main Entrance

Car Park Entrance

Rusheymead House

Residential

Residential Plumstead Library 1936

Warehouse Sports Hall

TopPlumstead Library as seen from Plumstead High Street

MiddlePlumstead Urban Framework: Zones of Work (RBG)

BottomExisting Location Plan for Plumstead Library

Peabody H2 Sites (930 units) Abery Street Car Park

Plumstead Fire Station

Station Arrival Sorting the Severance High Street Focus Civic Cluster

Police Station Ex-Warehouse Leisure Centre

Bannock Primary School Plumstead Library

History of the Site“The Carnegie Library”

Carnegie LibraryAndrew Carnegie, the famous philanthropist, provided funding for the construction of many public libraries across the UK during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Plumstead was one of the first.

In 1904 Plumstead Library was completed and opened to the public. Spread across 2 floors, the library provided an adult, children’s and lending library on the ground floor, and a reference room and librarians lodge on the 1st.

A few years after completion several local artists kindly produced a series of frescos to the 1st floor reference room. They were the first of their kind offered to a public library. Their subject matter explored the history, present and future of the book. Later in 1919 a museum was opened on the 1st Floor adjacent to the Reading Rooms.

1936 ExtensionIn 1936 the library was extended to the southern end of the site. A new children’s library was placed within a single storey extension that also doubled up as a lecture hall, providing a flexible space for the community. Externally the building followed the vertical rhythm of the original building, and a new staff outhouse was built.

Grade II ListingIn 2016 the original 1904 library was listed by Historic England, but the 1936 extension was not included. As a prime example of a early 20th Century civic building it was listed for the following reasons;Architectural interest: an impressive principal elevation, well suited to the improving nature of the building, and built from quality materials with good detailing and workmanship that survives well overall; Plan: the good survival of a series of well-articulated spaces planned around a central hall;Interiors: there is plaster detailing and good-quality joinery throughout, with parquet flooring and terrazzo in many areas; Historic interest: as one of the earliest Carnegie-funded libraries, designed to be part of a civic ensemble.

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Top ImageView from Plumstead High Street, date unknown, provided by Plumstead Library

Middle Top LeftView down Quilter St, date unknown, provided by Plumstead Library

Middle Top RightThe original lending library, date unknown, provided by Plumstead Library

Middle Bottom LeftThe original children’s library, date unknown, provided by Plumstead Library

Middle Bottom RightThe Murals within the Reference Room, date unknown, provided by Plumstead Library

Bottom Left1936 extension, date unknown, provided by Plumstead Library

Bottom LeftInterior of 1936 extension, date unknown, provided by Plumstead Library

New FunctionsThe Future Library

New FunctionsAs part of the improvements to the library, and the increase of community functions, a series of new spaces will be incorporated into the existing building and it’s new extension.

Brand new leisure facilities will sit along side new multi-functional spaces, public toilets and a cafe for the public’s enjoyment. Existing library functions will continue, with an increase of IT desks; and new areas are created for the public to either read a new best seller, or sit quietly and watch the world go by.

In order to provide a new community centre the spaces will be designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. New multi-functional spaces will provide the opportunity for a range of activities to take place. So that throughout the years the building may change to the needs of the local community.

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SERVICES

RECEPTIONLIBRARY

STORAGE

WC

CORE

SPORTS CAFE

OFFICE

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

EXISTING LIBRARY

NEW EXTENSION

Key Moves:The key approach to the building’s design has been to create a truly accessible building, so that each and every member of the local community may enjoy the new functions. In order to do so the following moves have been made:

1. A new level entrance is created on Quilter Street to provide access for all

2. Improved Library facilities will continue to run within the Plumstead High Street side of the building, where they have done for the past 113 years

3. New Leisure facilities will be housed within the new extension in order to create the most suitable space for the active members inside

4. A new Cafe and Social Space either side of the new entrance will create the beating communal heart of the building

The Arrangement:With the new development comes the re-openeing of spaces previously inaccessible by the public. Much of the 1st Floor will be transformed into new multi-functional spaces, and the new extension houses the proposed Mountain; a new social space for the community that can be everything from a place to meet friends, through to a film festival movie screening.

Badminton Court

Changing Rooms

Gym

Social Space

Cafe

Multi-Functional Studio

Office and Meeting Rooms

Proposed Soft Play / Children’s Area

Library

Children’s Library

G/F

1/F

Top CentreAll functions within the new proposal forPlumstead Library, and their proportional size

Middle CentreThe Key Moves for the project

Bottom CentreAxonometric diagram explaining the arrangement of functions throughout the old and new parts

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LIBRARYCAFE

LEISURE Existing Entrance

New Entrance (Level Access)

30m 41m

QU

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ST

PLUMSTEAD HIGH ST

G/F

LodgeOffice and Meeting Rooms (for hire)

TerraceRoof Terrace

LiftProviding Level Access to Ground and 1st Floors

VaultMulti-Functional Space

Sky CorridorLobby

TripletsMulti-Functional Space

StorageEquipment Store

Big RoomBadminton Court

MountainSeating and Social Space

Public ToiletsUnisex

New FunctionsPlans 04

First FloorN.T.S.

TopSketch Ground Floor Plan

MiddleSketch First Floor Plan

BottomExamples of potential interior design

Proposed InteriorA key driver behind the redesign of Plumstead Library is to make it accessible both in terms of physical access into the building, but also to provide a building open to all in the local community.

The new entrance, Mountain and Cafe form a beating heart of the redevelopment. With Leisure facilities to the left as you enter, and library to the right. The new stairs within the mountain, and new lift, will allow all to access every corner of the building.

Flexibility has been another key driver. New spaces will provide opportunities for a variety of activities, the mountain can be transformed into a number of functions, and the refurbishment of the Triplets and Vault on the 1st floor provide a space for multiple uses.

Key Spaces:Adjacent are interpretations of the type of spaces that will be provided within the complete building once open.

Listed Building InteriorMany of the Listed Building’s original features are still present, and in relatively good condition. In order to respect the original building’s character, all features will be cleaned, painted and if necessary made good where possible. This will include; Skirting, Picture Rails, Cornicing, Ceilings, Walls, Floors and Stairs. Below are the initial ideas for the interior design of the to these areas.

New Extension InteriorThe new extension will respect the original building by continuing to use natural durable materials throughout the interior. Wood, screed and rubber will all help to create a robust finish for the community to use time and time again, in a multitude of functions. Below are the initial ideas for the interior design of the to these areas.

MountainA new social space for the community, providing areas to meet friends, sit and read, or enjoy a movie...

CafeA new cafe that will provide a new space to stop off whilst enjoying one of the many functions on offer....

Vault and TripletsA new multi-functional space that can offer a multitude of activities....

Big RoomA purpose built badminton court for the local community...

SkylightLibrary

ColumnsProposed Soft Play/ Children’s Area

ReceptionKiosks and Concierge

Changing Rooms x2Male and Female

Public ToiletsUnisex

LoungeChildren’s Library

StorageKitchen Storage

KitchenCafe

CafeCafe

EntranceEntrance

MountainSeating and Social Space

GymGym

Ground FloorN.T.S.

Massing“A Collection of Spaces” 05

The Local CharacterPlumstead expanded greatly during the early 20th century. Much of the development at the time was for new residential developments that surround Plumstead Hight Street. As a result the surrounding area to the library is predominantly 2 storey terrace housing, with a small collection of other notable buildings, such as the Police Station and the Warehouse to the southern end of the site.

In order to maintain a contextual extension, both in terms of the local character and the existing Listed Library building, the proposed massing takes reference from the following neighbouring characteristics. A. Articulated Urban FormThe streets that run off Plumstead High Street continue the repetitive small domestic scale of building.

B. Pitched RoofscapesThe predominantly residential area is made up of 2 storey houses with a variety of pitched roofs. Including double gable , mono pitch and hipped roofs.

C. Large Windows, Small Subdivision Much of the local character, including the library, have windows that are subdivided into multiple smaller elements.

The Proposed ExtensionContinuing the key characteristics of the local area, there is an opportunity to create a contemporary extension to the existing building, whilst maintaining a sympathetic relationship with the Listed Building.

It is important that the new extension continues the design of the original building, but in a contemporary manner. The proposed form of the new extension follows these key principles:

1. Articulated SpacesThe existing building is made up of a series of spaces, each one specifically designed according to the function within. Their individuality is expressed further by the varying treatment to the façades.

2. A Variety of RoofscapesEach individual space on the 1st floor expresses its roof through a combination of different pitched roofs. The librarian’s lodge follows a domestic pitch, where as the Triplets subdivides its roof in to 3 identical small pitches.

These principles are then continued through into the massing of the extension;

3. Create New Articulated SpacesEach new function occupies an individual space, much like the existing building. They are then stacked on top of each other, prioritising the higher spaces to be furthest away from the listed building.

4. Roofscapes in Keeping With The Local CharacterA new, contemporary, collection of roofs are created as part of the extension. Here the design not only provides a variety of roofs, it is also reacts to the local context in order to reduce any visual impact as much as possible.

5. The ProposalBy learning from the listed building, and the surrounding local character, the proposed extension is a high quality, modern building, with a mass that is broken down in response to the urban grain.

A B C

C

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B

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Images A-CThe local character of Plumstead, expressing its urban form, pitched roofscapes and large windows with small subdivisions

Diagrams 1-2Concept diagrams showing the listed building’s collection of spaces and roofscapes

Diagrams 3-4Concept diagrams showing the proposed extension’s collection of spaces and roofscapes

Diagram 5The proposed project within the surrounding context

Double height space to create grand entrance

6.7m height required to meet Sport England requirements

Minimise roof height to reduce impact on neighbouring property

Roof Height in keeping with eaves height of existing roof

Large height above the stairs to allow for flexible space

New connection to the lodge through stair lobby

Material Design“The Old and New Library” 06

Existing Brick Facade (bottom) Example of Waterstruck Bricks (bottom) Example of Flush Glazing Detail (top)Example of a Glazed Entrance (bottom)

Example of a Brick Pattern Band (bottom)

Existing Brick/Stone/Glass New Waterstruck Brick New GlazingBrick Pattern

Compliment the Grade II Listed Building's scale by being respective of the existing height.

The scale and mass is broken down to continue the rhythm of the existing building, and honour the neighbouring residential urban scale.

Continuing the decorative bands around the new extension unifies the new and existing buildings into one.

The setting back of the new glazed entrance highlights the division line between the listed and the new

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N.T.S. N.T.S.

New Extension Facade Detail Grade II Listed Facade Detail

Detailed Brick Cornicing Detail

Red Brick with a soft finish

Decorative Bands

Diagrams 1 - 2Locations of glazing and the continuation of the limestone band around the new extension

Middle TopProposed Materials, compared to Existing

Middle BottomThe proposed relationship of the forms of the existing and the extension

BottomRelationship of Old and New details

1 - GlazingMuch of the glazing to the listed building has been placed in order to get indirect light in to the spaces, as this is a more enjoyable light to read under. On the 1st Floor many spaces functions did not require windows, such as the original reading room on the 1st floor.

The new extension follows suit, and the proposal looks to use windows where required, but to orientate them towards indirect light sources. For instance the new social space, “The Mountain” requires no direct view out, and the “Big Room” will benefit from indirect light.

In addition the proposal will look to reinstate skylights to the “Vault” and “Triplet” spaces, to return much of their original character.

2 - Continuing The BandIn order to tie both new and old collection of spaces, the original limestone band will be continued around the new extension in a new brick pattern, grouping the building as one.

FormThe proposed redevelopment of Plumstead Library into a multi-functional Library/Gym/Community centre combines the multitude of historical features of the Grade II Listed Building, with a contemporary extension that adds to the vitality of the area. The design’s form seeks to achieve the following:

Relationship Between New and OldThe proposed material of the extension is directly taking detailing found along the listed building facade, in order to create a sympathetic and complimentary extension.

MaterialsReferencing the rich material palette of the original building, the new extension will provide a contemporary re-imaging through the use of high quality materials.

Glazed

Open

New Extension

Existing Stone BandExisting Stone Band

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A B C D

2

1

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The Proposal - The Building“Tying the Spaces Together” 07

Warehouse Speranza St Plumstead Library Plumstead High St

TopImpression of view from Plumstead High Street of proposed development

1 - MiddleEast Elevation, from Quilter Street

2 - MiddleNorth Elevation from Plumstead high Street

3 - MiddleSouth Elevation, from Speranza Street

4 - BottomWest Elevation, from Police Station

Proposed ElevationsThe following elevations show the overall composition of the proposed extension, in context with the Listed Building and the neighbouring properties. The original analysis of the local character and the collection of spaces of the existing building have been brought forward in to a contemporary high quality design.

When seen from Plumstead High Street the original features stand proud, and the new entrance and extension act as a beacon to draw the public down and into their new facility.

Materials:It is of utmost importance that the new extension compliments and respects the original material palette, with new high quality equivalents. The following materials are proposed;

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2

4

3

Waterstruck Red BrickUsed across the entirety of the new extension

Brick DetailingWrapping around new extension

Brick DetailingVertical protruding brick detail

Curtain WallingBlack Framed glazing to new entrance, gym and badminton court

Metal LouvresBlack Anodised Aluminium Louvres and door

Plumstead Library Plumstead LibraryQuilter Street Quilter StreetSperanza Street

WarehouseSperanza StPlumstead LibraryPlumstead High St

Police Station

The Proposal - The Street“A New Destination” 08

TopImpression of view from Quilter Street of proposed development

MiddleSketch proposed Site Plan

PavementFootpath is extended out around the new gym

Blue Badge Parking BaysIncrease to 2 bays, matching the current bay’s size

Car Parking Overall provision decreased due to additional Blue Badge bay, and new Loading bay

Loading BayServicing the new facilities within the building, including the cafe and leisure

Cycle ParkingNew Sheffield Bike Stands on Plumstead High Street

HighwaysAs part of the new proposal for Plumstead Library the above streetscape will be improved in order to provide more suitable access to the building and it’s facilities. The following key moves have been made.

G/F

Quilter Street

Plumstead Library

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Site PlanN.T.S.

What Next?

• Following today’s consultation Residents and Stakeholders comments will be incorporated into the design

• Project information available until 6th July 2017 on www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/haveyoursay

• Planning Application to be submitted Autumn 2017, providing a further opportunity for comments to be received on the final designs by Residents and Stakeholders

• Construction to begin April 2018

• A consistent library service will be provided in Plumstead throughout the works

• Library and new facilities to open Autumn 2019